The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced today an $838,000 grant to Michigan Technological University (MTU) that will support a major expansion of semiconductor education and training programs across the Upper Peninsula while responding to Michigan’s increased demand for skilled technicians and engineering professionals in the semiconductor industry.
“Michigan is not only among the first states in the nation with a consortium that has successfully identified the key skills and competencies employers need to drive future microchip industry development,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “Michigan also is among the nation’s leading states to deliver workforce solutions that help employers in real-time.
“I’m delighted Michigan Tech is going to build upon that foundation of achievement,” Ebersole Singh said. “Our state’s future depends on retaining and bringing new talent to the state, which is why Michigan has launched the largest state talent attraction campaign and effort in the U.S. – so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.’”
Using its $838,000 grant from the state, MTU plans to introduce Flexible Semiconductor Technician and Maintenance Micro-Credentials programming through a two-tiered approach.
The first model will be the creation of stackable micro-credentials short training courses to educate and strengthen the semiconductor advanced test, assembly and packaging technician workforce in the domestic ecosystem. The topics of these courses will include professional-level skills such as clean room operations, standard operating procedure development and understanding safety data sheets and troubleshooting as well as performing advanced work on wafer and panel-based approaches, tooling and automation, substrate technology and heterogeneous integration.
These courses will be offered in both short, intensive (one day or more) and longer models (a week or more), depending on the topic and the needs of the semiconductor client. The hybrid mode will allow participants to complete a majority of the instruction online. Some courses will require that participants continue with clean room and laboratory work experience through industry/university partners. Both the online and hybrid training will be available through the Michigan Tech Global Campus.
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